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The European Union has imposed sanctions on 12 individuals and two entities connected to Russia’s hybrid operations, targeting those involved in spreading disinformation, conducting cyberattacks, and engaging in electronic warfare against EU member states and partners.
The European Council announced that these measures are a direct response to Russia’s ongoing use of foreign information manipulation, interference operations, and malicious cyber activities aimed at destabilizing democratic institutions and critical infrastructure across Europe.
Among those sanctioned are foreign policy analysts with close ties to the Kremlin’s messaging apparatus, as well as online influencers accused of disseminating pro-Russian propaganda and conspiracy theories about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Diana Panchenko, a Ukrainian-born media figure, was specifically named for systematically producing and distributing anti-Ukrainian and pro-Kremlin narratives. EU officials stated that her content deliberately portrays Ukrainian authorities as “Nazis” and attempts to justify Russia’s military aggression. The European Council noted that her content appeared on Ukrainian television during a Russian cyberattack that disrupted regular programming, highlighting the coordination between information manipulation and cyber operations.
The sanctions list also includes former military and law enforcement officials from the United States and Western Europe accused of amplifying Kremlin-aligned messaging related to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
John Mark Dougan, a former Florida deputy sheriff who fled to Russia in 2016, was cited for participating in pro-Kremlin digital information operations from Moscow. According to the European Council, Dougan runs the “CopyCop” network of fake news websites designed to mimic legitimate media outlets. These sites allegedly circulate fabricated stories and AI-generated deepfake content. Western authorities have linked his activities to the Moscow-based “Center for Geopolitical Expertise,” suggesting his work is supported and directed to influence elections and manipulate public discourse in Western countries.
Jacques Baud, a former Swiss army colonel, and Xavier Moreau, a French businessman and former military officer, were sanctioned for spreading conspiracy theories portraying Ukraine as responsible for its own invasion. Both frequently appear on pro-Russian television and radio programs.
The International Russophile Movement was also sanctioned due to its “strong ties with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov having delivered keynote speeches at the movement’s congress meetings.
Russia’s 142nd Separate Electronic Warfare Battalion, based in Kaliningrad, was included in the sanctions package. The European Council stated that this unit is responsible for using electronic warfare technology to disrupt shortwave communications and has been linked to recent GPS signal failures reported by several EU member states.
The sanctions also target members of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, including three individuals associated with Unit 29155 and the group known as Cadet Blizzard. According to the European Council, these actors participated in cyberattacks against Ukrainian government institutions and targeted EU member states and NATO allies to obtain sensitive information and destabilize political systems.
With this latest decision, EU restrictive measures related to Russia’s destabilizing activities now apply to a total of 59 individuals and 17 entities. Those listed face asset freezes, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to them. The sanctioned individuals are also subject to travel bans preventing entry into or transit through EU territory.
The EU first established its sanctions framework targeting Russia’s destabilizing actions in October 2024. It was subsequently expanded to cover financial backers of hybrid operations and to allow for the suspension of broadcasting licenses of Russian media outlets involved in spreading disinformation.
EU officials have noted that Russia’s hybrid activities have intensified since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and are expected to continue. The European Council emphasized that the EU and its member states will continue using all available tools to prevent, deter, and respond to what it describes as persistent and coordinated Russian hybrid threats.
This move comes as Brussels continues to maintain sanctions pressure on Russia. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced on Monday that an additional 40 vessels linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” will be added to the sanctions list, as the EU intensifies efforts to limit Moscow’s ability to circumvent existing restrictions.
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8 Comments
This sanctions initiative is a strong response to Russia’s continued efforts to spread disinformation and undermine democratic institutions in Europe. Targeting the Kremlin’s propaganda networks is crucial to counter their malign influence.
It’s good to see the EU taking decisive action against individuals and entities involved in the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare tactics. Disrupting the flow of pro-Russian propaganda is an important part of protecting European security.
The sanctioning of figures like Diana Panchenko, who have been actively spreading anti-Ukrainian narratives, is a welcome move. Combating the Kremlin’s information manipulation is key to maintaining a unified European response to the invasion of Ukraine.
It’s concerning to see the extent to which the Kremlin has been actively working to interfere in the internal affairs of European countries. This sanctions initiative is a necessary step to counter these hostile actions.
These sanctions highlight the EU’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted threat posed by Russian disinformation and cyber attacks. Targeting the sources of this malicious activity is a necessary step to safeguard democratic processes across Europe.
I hope these sanctions will help limit the Kremlin’s ability to sow discord and undermine democratic processes in Europe. Cutting off the resources of key propagandists could be an effective deterrent.
The targeting of individuals and entities involved in the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare tactics is a crucial component of the EU’s broader strategy to defend against Russian aggression. Disrupting their disinformation networks is key.
I’m curious to see how effective these sanctions will be in disrupting the Kremlin’s information warfare efforts. Cutting off the funding and resources of key propagandists could significantly undermine their ability to sow discord and confusion.